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The Postman
1997 178 min United States of America R 18+
★5.4
Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
Director: Kevin Costner
🎭 Based on
«The Postman»
byDavid Brin
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
Description
In 2013, there are no highways, no I-ways, no dreams of a better tomorrow, only scattered survivors across what was once the United States. Into this apocalyptic wasteland comes an enigmatic drifter with a mule, a knack for Shakespeare, and something yet undiscovered: the power to inspire hope.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$17.63M
Worldwide:
$17.63M
Starring
Kevin Costner
Actor
Will Patton
Actor
Larenz Tate
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Picture
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Actor
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Director
Saturn Awards 1998
— Best Science Fiction Film
Saturn Awards 1998
— Best Actor
Saturn Awards 1998
— Best Supporting Actor
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Director
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Screenplay
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Song
Key opinion
The Postman is a polarizing post-apocalyptic epic that divides audiences between those who view it as a pretentious, jingoistic misfire and those who find it a sincere, cult-worthy tale of hope. While critics frequently point to its inconsistent plotting and heavy-handed patriotism, others defend its atmospheric world-building and the understated, charismatic performances of its leads.
| Acting | Will Patton delivers a standout, nuanced performance as the complex antagonist, General Bethlehem. | |
| Cinematography | The film utilizes striking, expansive wasteland cinematography and evocative production design to create an immersive post-apocalyptic atmosphere. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for its reliance on massive plot holes, inconsistent character logic, and a failure to capture the intellectual spirit of the source material. | |
| Theme | The film's heavy-handed, patriotic American idealism is either praised as a heartwarming message of societal restoration or derided as hollow, nationalistic propaganda. | |
| Acting | Kevin Costner's central performance is polarized; some find him a charismatic anchor, while others see his acting as wooden and self-indulgent. | |
| Runtime | The three-hour runtime rewards viewers who enjoy a slow-burn, character-focused journey, but others find it tedious and self-indulgent. |